Sinterit
Sinterit Lisa AR smartglasses
The AR smartglasses device in manual use.
A German researcher has combined Augmented Reality (AR) with Sinterit’s 3D printing technology to develop a smartglasses device.
Professor Rigo Herold harnessed the Sinterit Lisa 3D printing system to manufacture the electronic eyepiece and an accompanying helmet. The AR smartglasses can work both with and without the headset, but by attaching them the user can use the eyepiece hands-free.
Herold, who expects data glasses to become widely used in industrial settings, has been working on the development of electronic eyepieces since 2007. When tackling his latest project, Herold decided to integrate AR to allow users to review and examine complex components and tools in great detail. Thanks to AR, the smartglasses can detect changes in temperature and airborne contaminants, for example, before suggesting appropriate reactions.
Though Herold could be sure of the capabilities of the AR smartglasses, he wanted to make them as comfortable and practical as possible. The rims would have to be designed with high precision to implement the optical elements, but lightweight. They would also have to be resistant to high temperatures and shock, durable, and flexible, so users could use them in industrial settings where they might be exposed to harmful substances. It became clear to Harold that 3D printing would be the avenue to go down, but exactly which technology wasn’t immediately evident.
Sinterit
Sinterit Lisa AR smartglasses
The AR electronic eyepiece mounted on the helmet.
“Data glasses are composed of complex, precisely positioned optical components – among others sensors and mirrors,” said Herold. “To ensure uninterrupted sharpness of the virtual image, all optical components must be set in with the highest precision. The filaments used in the early data glasses printed in 3D technology were not accurate enough.”
Eventually, after a series of tests, Herold found Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) would guarantee the optimum parameters, and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) would enable him to produce accurate prototypes. Initially, he used a service bureau to print the parts for his AR smartglasses, but finding that the process was still too lengthy for his liking, Herold decided to purchase his very own desktop 3D printer. The Sinterit Lisa brought with it practical and economic benefits, as well as durable, precise components which are durable to external factors. Additionally, no supports were need to build the AR smartglasses, and the Lisa platform allowed the short series orienting of small, identical parts, and will allow, Herold expects, tailor-made parts for future users.
